Number

Album

Artist

About

Song

Release

33

Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

Smashing Pumpkins

If you were asking me to give definition to the Alternative Rock Genre in two simple words, I would throw The Smashing Pumpkins at you first every time some would argue “Goth”. I’m not sure if this album is rated in the Rollingstone’s top 500, but I would be very surprised if it wasn’t. They are not everyone’s cup of tea, but I think they certainly caught the imagination of all Gen Y’s with a song or two, in fact Bullet with Butterfly Wings would almost be a themed turning 40 song. There is no escaping Billy Corgan’s unique and distinctive voice and I fell in love with this album when it first came out, it had the full package – strong lyrics and an even stronger sound, it made a statement and it helped Alternative go on to sell main stream. Whilst I don’t think they will ever reach the heights of this album (they certainly went close with some individual songs matching these hits) overall it was great to see them release a new album this year 2018, with Rick Rubin producing it – it’s going to be good and I’m eager to hear it.

Zero

Bullet with Butterfly Wings

My Pick-1979

1995

Number

Album

Artist

About

Song

Release

34

Back in Black

ACDC

Another Mutt Lange masterpiece for interpretation in generations to come. It was also to be another band where I had every album released up until my late teens – tapes lol. Interestingly it was also the album where Brian Johnson took over the lead vocals start to mid-recording after Bon Scott’s death. I also read an article a while back where it was actually Scott who chose Johnson as the next lead singer indirectly (when he was alive, he came back from holidaying in London raving about the lead singer of a band called Geordie which lead to the remaining members tracking him down to include him in the auditions for Scott’s replacement) It’s also another band that takes me back to my adolescent years which is reaffirmed when one of their older songs comes on these days and I can belt it out word for word, even after not hearing it for 20 years or so with songs like She’s got the Jack, Dirty Deeds, Can I sit next to you Girl, wow I’m not sure if I’m impressed or embarrassed with myself. With utter distinction though if you were to really break down and dissect this band’s sound it oozes nothing but talent and whilst Angus receives most of the accolades, agreeably so – how good is Malcom Young’s riff playing? – must be one of the greatest of all time. Definitely one of Australia’s greatest exports if not also Australia’s greatest Rock Band. Yes, I was a “Bevan” yes, I once wore Ugg Boots in Qld’s summer with Stonewash jeans and black T-Shirts and if that doesn’t sell the picture throw in some earrings and a mullet haircut. Jackson once sung “Blame it on the Boogie” in this case I blame on it on Rock and Roll and an admiration for ACDC a lot of great albums but I choose this one.

Hells Bells

Back in Black

My Pick – Shoot to Thrill

1980

Number

Album

Artist

About

Song

Release

35

A Rush of Blood to the Head

Coldplay

I have to say when I first heard Chris Martin’s voice singing Yellow during their break out debut year, I remember thinking to myself such a catchy tune but wow weak vocals, how could this song be such a huge hit? So, whilst I listened tentatively it wasn’t until several years later that Coldplay earnt my loyalty as a fan. In 2003 I happened to catch their performance of Politik during the Grammy awards where they had won best alternative album. What Martin may have lacked in vocal power he along with the band certainly made up for it with stage presence, melodies and strong lyrics. As I have made this statement, I’m thinking perhaps it has been a tad harsh to judge him vocally because at the end of the day their product is their own sound and I am admirable of it. I thought this album was so complex, yes it still had the catchy tune’s but lyrically it was impacting and yes without Martin’s voice which by now he had found his strength in his vocal range there is no doubting in my mind the band would never of achieved the heights of this album, it certainly paved the way for things to come and through the journey of this album they certainly gained more fans including myself. Another album I often find myself going back to listen to.

Politik

Clocks

God Put a Smile on your Face

My Pick-The Scientist

2002